Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee of Rush Choose 22 Songs That Inspired Them Most

Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee of Rush discuss the music that is closest to their hearts.

“SPOONFUL” Cream, Fresh Cream (1966)

‘Crossroads’ was the song you had to learn to play if you were in a band. Clapton just flies through that song. But for me, ‘Spoonful’ was more about Jack Bruce’s great voice and adventurous playing. Bruce, like all the bass players I’ve mentioned, wasn’t content to be a bottom-end, stayin'-the-background bassist.

He’s playing a Gibson bass obviously too loud, to where it’s distorting the speakers. But it gave him this aggressive sound and a kind of spidery tone, and I love everything about it.